The coronavirus pandemic isn’t a trend, but it certainly has been affecting LE aviation. Not only have pilots and support crews been sidelined by the virus, but the social distancing that has locked down the world has affected APSA’s ability to provide training.
“We put on 20-plus training events in North America each year, and so far we’ve had to cancel the last four,” Schwarzbach says. “It isn’t clear when we’ll be able to get back on track.”
Only time will tell how COVID-19 will affect LE aviation over the long term. Even after the pandemic has subsided, governments that pay for air support units will be scrambling to cover tax revenue shortfalls caused by business closures and layoffs during this event. It remains to be seen whether this will lead to more drone deployments and future budget cuts.
